Deputy leader of Sefton Lib Dems suspended by the party

The deputy leader of the Sefton Lib Dem group has been suspended by the party.

It was earlier reported that Tony Dawson, who also served as John Pugh’s case worker for many years, had left to the party to become an independent councillor.

However, it has now been revealed that Cllr Dawson, who has represented Duke Wars since May 2012, has been suspended by the national party while allegations that he brought the party into dispute are investigated.

As he is suspended from the party, he can no longer represent the Sefton Lib Dem group and is therefore now serving as an indpendent.

Read More

Related Articles

Cllr Nigel Ashton, chair of the Southport Liberal Democrats, said: “We have received official notification from Liberal Democrat HQ that Tony Dawson’s membership of the Liberal Democrat party has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary procedure into an allegation of bringing the Party into disrepute.

“As Councillor Dawson is not currently a member of the Liberal Democrat party his membership of the Liberal Democrat Group of Councillors on Sefton Council is also suspended pending the outcome of this disciplinary procedure.

“There will be no further statements until we have been notified of the outcome of this process. “

Read More

Related Articles

Following the suspension, Cllr Dawson is calling for politicians from all parties to work together for the sake of the town.

He said: "The people of Southport are more interested in what councillors can do for their town than the internal issues of political parties.

"In Southport, for the next couple of years at least, the town will be governed by a Labour Council with a Conservative MP and a majority of Liberal Democrat councillors.

"This situation could easily cause a stalemate without achievement which would be disastrous for the town.

"I see it, though, as an opportunity for councillors working more closely across party - and particularly with residents and traders who have no particular party allegiance - for the good of Southport.

"The two big issues confronting us at the moment are the nature of our town centre and the future of our local hospital services. Both are in a critical state.

Read More

Related Articles

"I have already had a reasonable discussion with the town's new MP Damien Moore who seems amenable to constructive engagement.

"I have established good relations with various Cabinet Members with whom I have spent many hours appointing some of the most senior officers of the Council. They know that any stagnation in Southport's economy will drag down all of the Borough of Sefton.

"There are some excellent councillors representing Southport at this moment and no doubt others will be elected next May.

"People will be judged by their deeds, not their words. I would hope that all councillors of all persuasions and residents as a whole will want to buckle down together for the good of the town."